NTSB Factual Report

On June 15, 2002, approximately 1600 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-16, N5942H, impacted the terrain during an attempted VFR go-around at Umpqua Sky Park, Umpqua, Oregon. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which belonged to a friend of the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Roseburg Airport, Roseburg, Oregon, about 30 minutes prior to the accident, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. There was no report of an ELT activation.

According to the pilot, just as he was initiating the flare for landing at the 1,800 foot grass landing strip, he encountered unusual winds that caused the aircraft to suddenly yaw to the left. He therefore initiated a go-around, but the aircraft impacted a ditch along the side of he runway, crossed a dirt road, and collided with a fence. Although he had added full power and attempted to execute a go-around, the pilot's attempt to compensate for the unfavorable wind was not adequate to keep the aircraft from colliding with the terrain near the left side of the runway.

According to both the pilot and the FAA inspector who looked at the aircraft after the accident, there was no indication that there had been any malfunction or anomaly in the aircraft’s flight control system or engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for unfavorable wind conditions and maintain clearance from the terrain during an attempted VFR go-around. Factors include an encounter with unfavorable wind conditions during the landing flare and the attempted go-around.